The new NFL kickoff rule change this season makes the kickoff return and subsequent coverage the most exciting it’s been in over a decade. It also gives the Bucs a new way to approach it with their personnel.
Adapting the rule from the XFL, players on opposing teams will line up down the field at the return team’s 40-yard line, with the return team itself at the 30-yard, just five 10 yards away from each other. There is a “landing zone” in which the kicker can kick the ball to and force a return, with the ball going in the end zone as a traditional touchback.
Coverage units and blockers ca not start moving and making contact until the ball hits the ground or is caught by the returner.
The NFL has sought to decrease the number of serious injuries and concussions, especially on special teams plays where players generate force and momentum from a running head start. This is a way to keep the return game in the league and have it be a legitimate play.
In year’s past, there was much more incentive for teams to kick the ball into or through the end zone for a touchback. But with the new rule change penalizing kicks into the end zone with offenses starting at the 30-yard line, we could see more electrifying moments that add another element to the game.
While there certainly will be some decisions made as to who would be the best fit to return kicks in Tampa Bay with the new rule, filling out the 10 other players on the return and coverage teams must also be taken into serious consideration. That’s why positions such, as inside linebackers, outside linebackers and safeties, are so important for the kick coverage units, and why positions like tight ends and running backs are important for the kick return units.
Bucs ILB SirVocea Dennis Shares Opinion On New NFL Kickoff Rule
A key special teams player for the Bucs last season that could also be in a similar role this year is inside linebacker SirVocea Dennis, who enters his second year. As a rookie, Dennis was a core special teamer for Tampa Bay, making five tackles on that unit including one in the postseason. He, like everybody else across the league, will have to adjust to the new NFL kickoff rule in 2024.
Dennis joined the Pewter Report Podcast on Tuesday where he was asked about the league’s new kickoff rule. He is looking at it as a great opportunity to get another defensive rep as the play may be more like defending a traditional offensive play rather than a typical kick return.
“I feel like for a kickoff player or a defensive player, that’s an extra step to get better,” Dennis said. “And what I mean by that is, you get a chance to basically beat a block. You’re beating the one-on-one guy in front of you and it’s right there. So that takes a lot of running out of it, but it’s fun. Because like I said, it’s just another defensive play and for the return team it’s another offensive play. Let’s just showcase your talent there as well.”
SirVocea Dennis Loves Playing For Todd Bowles
While SirVocea Dennis was primarily a special teams player during his rookie campaign, his goals are set higher this year to replace Devin White and start at inside linebacker next to Lavonte David. With a year under his belt, Dennis has gotten the chance to fully grasp Todd Bowles’ defensive scheme and playbook in Tampa Bay.
The beauty of the system, is that Bowles doesn’t ask any player to do anything they aren’t capable of. It lets Dennis be who he is while finding a role in the Bucs defense.
“This defense lets you be you,” Dennis said. “It opens a lot for every backer, it lets you just share your skillset. What I mean by that is if you’re a good blitzer, you will definitely be put on display for blitzing, if you like to cover and you’re a good cover guy whether that’s man to man or in zone, you definitely have opportunities, as well.
“When I got accustomed to the defense it was just me playing like myself, obviously they had to tone it down or fit it to the defense. Other than that I was just out there playing football, having fun.”
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